Northwestern Pre-College Programs

E-Session # 1 - VR Game Design

Dates: June 18 - 22, 2023
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview: 

Great games can immerse us in wondrous, compelling new worlds. With the rise of virtual reality game technology—fully immersive interactive experiences have now become possible. This course guides you through the essentials of VR, AR, and XR game design, including such topics as: picking the right 3D engine, building a cross-functional team, developing 3D artwork, integrating 360 sound, prototyping, bug triage, polishing, publishing, and distribution. 

Along the way, we examine the role of the game designer—including the process of generating ideas, writing professional game design documents, and defining core loops, mechanics, dynamics, and systems. Next, we dive into character systems and the mechanics of chance, skill, tactics, and strategy. We define what makes VR game design unique from mobile or console, including previsualization for VR; avatars in the VR environment; 360 camera rotation; in-game hands;  immersive audio design; and implementing 3D assets. 

Finally, students learn to pitch their ideas and explain how their game works—and why users will love it. We look at how to develop a game design portfolio in order to break into the game industry. And we explore the topic of launching your own VR game startup—including creating a business plan, achieving funding, and scaling for success. 

The course will be offered online via zoom platform.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze game design critically, from the perspective of a maker—and be able to communicate these creative insights clearly, in both written and spoken form.  
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the state of the art of the VR game design industry, via playing, researching, analyzing and discussing a wide variety of VR games. 
3. Having taken original game ideas from concept to execution: demonstrate practical understanding of the VR game design process, both individually and in teams. 

APPLY HERE. SEATS ARE LIMITED!

Session # 2 – Experience Northwestern Qatar: 10 themes in 10 days

Dates:  July 9 - 20, 2023 
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST) 

Course Overview:

Northwestern Qatar is home to a prestigious education in the field of media, powered by the liberal arts and hands-on mode of learning. For 2023’s Summer Pre-College Program, students will experience Northwestern by exploring ten different themes that fall under the communication and journalism majors, across the span of ten days. The program will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of media in which students will learn how to analyze, research, debate, create, and critique different forms of media. The program is two weeks long, from July 9th, 2023 to July 20th, 2023, and will receive a certificate of completion

This course will be held in-person at Northwestern Qatar campus. 

Learning Outcomes:

1. An understanding of various themes from the communication program, such as media analysis, media and public diplomacy, film production, media law, and sports communication. 
2. An understanding various themes from the journalism program, such as broadcast, writing, reporting, digital marketing, and strategic communication. 
3. Skills in writing, production, debate, and analyzing in the context of media. 
4. An educational experience in an academic setting of university level

APPLY HERE. SEATS ARE LIMITED!

Admission

• Good academic standing
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0/B or better
• 15-19 years of age at the start of the program
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling weekly-basis and decisions typically released within three weeks via e-mail.
• There are limited spaces available and students are encouraged to apply early.

Program Costs & Scholarships

• Program Cost (per seminar): 1,820 QAR (US$ 500)
• A limited number of scholarships will be awarded with preference to students who are currently in their junior year (Qatar/USA Grade 11, UK Grade 12), demonstrate financial need, and hold strong academic and extracurricular achievement.
• Students can identify if they are interested in a Tuition Scholarship during the application process.
• All Scholarship recipients will be notified of the scholarship evaluation committee’s decision via email.